CENTRE – Cherokee County senior third baseman Logan Pierce developed his love for baseball back when he was in middle school. Even at such a young age, he dreamed of one day being able to play in college.

On Friday, that dream became a reality.

Pierce signed a baseball scholarship with Snead State Community College at the Cherokee County High School gym. He joins fellow Warrior alum Brett Burgess, who’s now playing as an outfielder with the Parsons.

“I’ve worked so hard for this, and for this dream to be coming true now is a real blessing. I can’t believe it,” Pierce said. “It took so much hard work and a lot of praying, but I’m here.”

Pierce was one of the Warriors’ top hitters last season. He batted .373 with six doubles, two home runs, nine walks, 13 runs and 20 RBIs.

Pierce said the Parsons will probably move him to first base when he arrives at the Boaz campus, but that’s just fine with him.

“I’m comfortable with that,” he said. “I just love (Snead State) Coach (Gerry) Ledbetter and (assistant) Coach (Casey) Underwood. They’re great coaches and good people too. The atmosphere around campus is great. I love that it’s a small campus, and Brett being there was a big deal too. He’s somebody to look to if I have a problem or something.”

Warrior coach Jim Garmany, who also played at Snead State for Ledbetter, said Pierce should fit right in with the Parson program.

“He’s one of those kids who’s going to work and do what it takes to go on to the next level, and we felt Snead was somewhere he’d be happy,” Garmany said. “I’ve coached Logan ever since he was in middle school, and he’s one of those kids who doesn’t just practice when he’s told to. He’s going to go out and do the extra stuff. Baseball is not just something he does in the springtime. Baseball is something he really loves. He has a passion for it, and that’s what it takes to be a good baseball player.

“You’re going to have to work year around, and that’s what he does.”

Ledbetter said Pierce was one of about 40 kids who came to a Parson workout last fall and felt he was someone who could play for him at Snead.

“Logan is not fully developed as a player yet, but I think he’s got a lot of potential,” Ledbetter said. “I think he’s going have to work hard to get there, but I know he will do whatever it takes to get there and help us. He’s a very good kid. I’m getting a kid I know will work hard and do anything I ask him to do. That makes a lot of difference.”